Guangfu Core Carving

As a national intangible cultural heritage, Guangfu Core Carving is known for its long history and exquisite craftsmanship.

The scene, Su Dongpo Tours Chibi, was carved on a nearly 3.3cm-long peach core by Wang Shuyuan, from Changshu under the reign of Emperor Tianqi of the Ming Dynasty, according to A Boat Carved in a Core, a prose by Wei Xueyi, a Ming Dynasty’s litterateur.

In the first year under the reign of Emperor Qianlong of the Qing Dynasty, the Suzhou-based artist, Du Shiyuan, re-carved the same scene in a peach core. He added boatmen on the boat and was honored as a “superlative carver.” Core carving is a unique folk art in Suzhou.